Purpose

The public inquiry into the
Grenfell Tower fire concluded in September 2024 with the
publication of the phase 2 report. Annex 1 to this Cabinet paper
provides a summary of the phase 2 report, with a particular focus
on the implications and recommendations for local authorities and
social housing providers.
 
The phase 2 report made a total
of 58 recommendations, covering a wide range of organisations
including regulators, emergency services, the construction
industry, local authorities and social housing providers. The full
report is around 1,700 pages with a more accessible overview paper
containing the key findings and recommendations.
 
In addition, the phase 1 report
made 46 recommendations and has had a significant influence on both
the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2024 and the Building Safety
Act 2022.
 
This report considers the
relevant recommendations from both the phase 1 and phase 2 enquiry
reports and makes a number of recommendations.
 
This report seeks authority for
the council to:
 
1. 
Note the self assessment
against the phase 1 and phase 2 recommendations, attached at annex
1 to the report;
 
2. 
Agree to increase the waking watch service in line
with the revised guidelines from the Kent Fire and Rescue
Service;
 
3. 
Note the increased cost of the waking watch service
for the remainder of 2024/25 and approve the necessary in-year
virement (as detailed in 6.1.1 to the Cabinet report).

Decision

Cabinet agreed:
 
1. 
To increase the waking watch service in line with the revised
guidelines from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service;
 
2. 
To note the increased cost of the waking watch service for the
remainder of 2024/25 and approve the necessary in-year virement (as
detailed in 6.1.1 to the Cabinet report).